Gay marriage is now legal in 13 states and as a surprise to no one, nothing bad has happened.

Despite vetoing a gay marriage bill in New Jersey last year, Gov. Chris Christie backed down from challenging the courts on the matter.

“The court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution,” said the Christie administration in a public statement on Oct. 21. “Therefore, same sex marriage is law.”

Christie is wrong on every issue from education to basic human needs. No one could forget his inane speech at the Republican National Convention last year when he said America was “paralyzed by our desire to be loved.” 

I suppose every politician needs something to crusade against. President Abraham Lincoln fought against the institution of slavery. President Lyndon Johnson strived to end poverty. Christie just can’t stand love, which is one of the few emotions separating us from the common ape. 

 But for all his faults, Christie is no fool. Say what you will about the man – he has tact. He knows where the wind is blowing on the issue of gay marriage and plans to set a course to the presidency in 2016. 

I’m certainly not the first to point this out, but since Christie has his eyes on the White House, getting on board with an issue that has seen its time come only helps his chances with people who elect presidents: political moderates. 

Christie’s recent gay marriage surrender should be a massive turning point on the issue. There comes a time when sensible, good-hearted people no longer support a hateful idea being protected by the law. 

Seeing when most Americans got behind the idea of  women voting or ending child labor, is hard to gauge. Some Americans still aren’t behind any of these examples. However, there comes a time when having a terrible opinion on an issue makes an aspiring politician un-electable. I don’t see the next presidential election cycle humoring gay marriage opponents, even in the Republican primaries.

Staunch conservatives are standing down in the fight against gay marriage, one of the many death knells of this political movement. As far as gay marriage is concerned, we should start treating those opposed to it like the silly, hateful people they are.

The hate isn’t always intentional. Very many people of faith are simply trying to do their best. 

However, they may be doing so without any perspective on the matter. Saying you don’t hate gays, but then insisting the law treat them differently than you is in itself hateful. 

America has a sad history of “separate but equal” laws. Let’s try not repeating history and I Oughta Know.

Side note: if “Gay Marriage Surrender” isn’t the title of a Cyndi Lauper album, it ought to be.